Name: Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe delivers a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, flavorful fish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive dish that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Two golden-brown salmon fillets with a crispy, slightly charred skin lay side by side in a white frying pan filled with bubbling butter and herbs. The surface of the fish is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, oily texture of the salmon. The edges of the fillets show a light caramelization, indicating they have been cooked to a perfect crisp. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness when cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan, pressing lightly to prevent curling. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to become golden and crispy.
Step 3: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon continuously as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4: Remove the pan from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Give the fillets one last spoonful of garlic butter to lock in the rich flavor before serving.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the seasoning before cooking.
If you prefer skinless salmon, reduce cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Use fresh herbs like dill or chives as alternatives to parsley for a different twist.

Storage

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power to avoid drying out the fish. Leftover salmon can also be flaked and added to salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

The image shows two cooked salmon fillets lying side by side in a pan with melted butter around them. The salmon has a nice orange-pink color with a slightly crispy surface, and it is sprinkled with small green herbs and some black pepper. The pan has a dark surface, and the lighting highlights the juicy texture and the golden edges of the fish. The focus is close up, making the salmon look fresh and tasty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry before cooking to ensure the skin gets crispy and the fish cooks evenly.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

You can use garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor and aroma when cooked in butter.